Journal article
Rapid species identification of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) from faecal pellet DNA
Molecular ecology resources, Vol.11(5), pp.808-812
09/2011
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/116048
PMID: 21518302
Abstract
The pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is a small lagomorph of the western United States that specializes in sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitat. Intensive habitat loss and modification have increased the vulnerability of pygmy rabbit populations, but the current geographic distribution and population status remain unclear. To aid in detection and population monitoring, we developed a species identification test that uses mitochondrial DNA species-specific primers to distinguish among six sympatric lagomorph species using DNA isolated from faecal pellets. Applying this test, we successfully identified the species of origin for all pellet samples that produced a positive PCR result (77% of 283 pellets collected). Pellets collected during the winter (December-February) had higher PCR success rate (93%) than pellets collected at other times of the year (72%). This test, using non-invasive genetic sampling of faecal pellets, provides an efficient method for assessing site occupancy and distribution of pygmy rabbits and other lagomorphs across large geographic areas.
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Details
- Title
- Rapid species identification of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) from faecal pellet DNA
- Creators
- Jennifer R Adams - Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, University of Idaho, College of Natural Resources, Moscow, ID 83844-1136, USA. adamsj@uidaho.eduCaren S GoldbergWilliam R BosworthJanet L RachlowLisette P Waits
- Publication Details
- Molecular ecology resources, Vol.11(5), pp.808-812
- Academic Unit
- Environment, School of the (CAHNRS)
- Publisher
- England
- Identifiers
- 99900547575901842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article